The Monastery Conference Centre

For our premium retreats we are very pleased to offer attendees the experience of staying in The Monastary - a very special venue steeped in history and amazing atmosphere.

No longer a purely christian venue The Monastery have opened their doors for corporate and retreat hosting, and welcome us to come and soak up the energy for our weekend retreats of Yoga, Meditation or Empowerment.

HISTORY

The Monastery property had several owners before being purchased by the Passionist Community in 1896.

The original 16 acres of land, including grapevines, was owned by Mr Arthur Hardy. In 1847, ownership passed to Mr Joseph Barrow Montefiore (whose brother was the inspiration for Montefiore Hill) who built a grand house in oriental design, named ‘The Glen’. He surrounded it with well chosen, rare and imported trees and plants, some of which still grace the grounds, including a huge Morton Bay Fig and two fine Norfolk Island pines.

The property had two more landowners until 1896, when the Passionist Community purchased it for 2500 pounds.

Due to council recommendations, the original building was demolished in the early 1940s and gradually rebuilt to suit the changing needs of the monastic community. The unique Spanish styled architecture, with spacious verandahs and high ceilings, lends itself beautifully for use as a unique conference and function venue.

The Monastery Conference Centre

Free Retreat Givewaway

Why Retreat?

We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:

My last retreat at SMC was so inspiring and so relaxing. But i'd love to have more time there to spend at the Stupa, visit the Kami shrine, and generally interact with the beautiful enlightened society happening on that entire land.
Brett

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.

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